Thursday, March 3, 2011

New Britain Museum of American Art


Following up on yesterday's post: 

At the top are two among many wonderful works at the New Britain Museum of American Art.  In the foreground is a 1908 bronze statue, Artemis, by Bela Lyon Pratt.  The painting in the rear is Le Jour du Grand Prix, a work created in the late 1880s by the American artist, Childe Hassam, while he studied in Paris.

To the left is a couple sharing a romantic moment they didn't expect me to capture and put on the internet.  The work that stirred the young man is a portrait by Chuck Close.  On the left in the distance is the marvelous and inspirational 18 foot painting by Graydon Parrish, The Cycle of Terror and Tragedy:  September 11, 2001.  This is the painting I mentioned in yesterdays post.  I showed it originally last November.

Chuck Close is a fascinating story.  He became paralyzed in 1988 after he had long been an established artist. He continues to work with help from assistants, holding a paintbrush taped to his arm.  The silkscreen shown above was done in 2000, a dozen years after Close became disabled.  Here is a link to an explanation from the New Britain  museum.

17 comments:

Cezar and Léia said...

Bravo and thanks so much for this tour inside the Museum.
The first sculpture is dramatic!I love it! :)
This special place that I would love to visit for sure!
Léia

Sharon said...

This looks like a museum I'd enjoy very much.

Kate said...

Chuck Close's work is amazing. The one in the MIA is quite different than the work you featured.

Lowell said...

Chuck Close is quite a guy. I remember reading of a woman living up in the Dakotas somewhere who painted and wrote even though she lacked both hands and feet.

I can't imagine.

Re your comment on Ocala about the smoker's bench: I damn near choked on my cigar!

Nah, just kidding. I've even given up my pipe. So put that in your pipe and smoke it. Or something. :-)

Unknown said...

The sculpture is beautiful and I love the way you composed the bottom shot.

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

Thank you for the links... Definitely going to get to this museum if I get a trip your direction. The Graydon Parrish mural is amazing and I imagine that one could look at it for quite some time. Loved the story about Chuck Close too. All in all, a wonderful museum tour today, my friend!

Bises,
Genie

SRQ said...

This museum might be a bit too modern for my taste. I like the bottom capture -- if that couple only knew!

Lois said...

What an amazing story and artist!

EG CameraGirl said...

This looks like a wonderful museum, one that I'd enjoy spending time in. Chuck Close must be one very determined artist!

RedPat said...

Nice tour of the gallery and I love Chuck Close's work so it was great to see his piece. His work is so incredible!

cieldequimper said...

I've just looked at your November post for the first time and it all came flooding back. I really like the reclining Artemis with a typically feminine gesture, don't you think?

joo said...

Very interesting and nice museum and lovely tour - thank you:)

Regina K said...

I like the sculpture and artwork. Great composition in both photos.

Randy said...

Thanks for the tour. I would love to visit this museum.

Forest Dream Weaver said...

The reclining bronze sculpture looks very peaceful......if this is Artemis it's an unusual pose to find her in! Thanks for the links.
You are indeed fortunate to have this powerful Graydon Parrish piece in a local museum.
An enjoyable visit,thank you.

Jilly said...

Love the photos especially of the visitors - works so well. What a great place.

Anonymous said...

Graydon is an amazing painter! His lecture was a great experience! Interesting blog Jack ... Egon, http://www.jkkfinearts.blogspot.com